The English Defence League had billed it as "the big one". In the event a small group of bigots were contained, by police, in a relative backwater of the city while the majority of Bradfordian's went about their business.
For myself, the evening before, I attended a vigil for peace and on the day itself I went to a "mini mela" to celebrate Bradfordian diversity. Later I cycled into town and mingled with some young Muslim Bradfordian's who were enthusiastic to see the EDL off their streets. While a minority were intemperate in their views, and attempted to confront the EDL, most were just there, as I was, to see them leave under no uncertainty about their welcome.
This morning I met council officials at the site of the EDL's protest. Overnight, workers had restored the gardens, clearing litter, bottles and stones. Later the Dean of Bradford cathedral conducted a multifaith ceremony to reclaim and cleanse the site. Now that the grubbiness has been removed Bradford can continue forwards.
All those involved in the safe conduct of Saturday's events deserve congratulation.
No comments:
Post a Comment